There's no consumer regret like the feeling experienced when automotive repair bills are stacking up and your new ride, the one you spent tens of thousands of dollars on, is spending more time in an automotive repair shop versus your home's garage. When deciding what to put in your driveway, you may prioritize the MSRP, features, comfort, practicality, performance, and looks. However, as anyone who's bought something unreliable can tell you, the importance of reliability cannot be overstated.
As such, each year, Consumer Reports ranks automakers based on their reliability based on real-world data from actual buyers. For its latest list, the consumer information outlet gathered data on over 300,000 vehicles from 2000-2023 and ranked each automaker based on reliability, including everything from the engine to electronics.
And among the worst brands are everything from luxury automakers to mainstream, makers of EVs and hugely inefficient models, and seemingly everything else in between. It should be noted Consumer Reports did not include several popular car brands because they do not have enough models to be ranked. Those manufacturers include Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Maserati, Mini, Mitsubishi, Polestar, Porsche, and Rivian.
We have compiled the information provided below using information from the Consumer Reports website for the most part, but we have also used data from sites such as RepairPal, CarEdge, and J.D. Power.
Updated on July 9, 2023: Over the decades, numerous cars have come and gone that have gained a place in our hearts, which means every year, there are those brands that produce models that need to be avoided at all costs. So we have decided to refresh and update this list to help expand your knowledge and help you avoid a lemon.
15 Lincoln
Predicted Reliability Rating: 54/100
The 54 out of 100 that the people at Consumer Reports gave Lincoln for 2023 may be a little misleading because it was brought down because of one car. Just one. The Corsair and the Nautilus were both at the high end of the survey, receiving an 82 and a 73 in that order, with current owners claiming that they would repurchase them in the future. But the problem child, the Lincoln Aviator, gave the entire brand a bad name.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $879 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs For The First 10 Years: $12,099 (CarEdge)
- Worst Models To Buy: 2023 and 2021 Aviator
Since the Lincoln Aviator started production again in 2019, it has had more than its fair share of problems. Some of the most common complaints cover almost every section of the vehicle, including the in-car electronics, the drive system, the suspension, the steering system, seals and seams against air and water leaks, the electrical system, paint, and trim. The good news is that the body hardware and transmission will last a reasonable amount of time.
14 Buick
Predicted Reliability Rating: 54/100
Buick has been a brand through the years that has never truly been in the limelight, but it has hung on with some great cars such as the Buick Regal, LeSabre, Riveria, and the Park Avenue. They have all been reliable cars that offer good luxury and comfort at a decent price, but as the world has moved into the new age of technology, numerous Buick models have been struggling.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $608 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs For The First 10 Years: $9,063 (CarEdge)
- Worst Models To Buy: 2023 Encore GX, 2022 Envision, 2016 Enclave
Buick cannot point the finger at one specific model, so they need to take a hard look at the problems reported with the brakes, the engines, the fuel systems, and the emissions components. Granted, the Encore GX, Envision, and Enclave do not have the same issues reported across the board, but since they all fall within the 50s out of a 100 range, it is safe to say that the problems need to be addressed in all the models.
13 Genesis
Predicted Reliability Rating: 52/100
In 2003 Hyundai/Kia decided it was time for them to throw their hats into the luxury market ring. Since then, Genesis has done very well for itself, taking away a spot in the luxury market from some of the top rivals in the class, such as the Audi A6, Lexus ES, BMW 5-series, and Mercedes-Benz E-class. But, like every other carmaker in the world, along with the good, they have some bad.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $565 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs For The First 10 Years: $6,780 (RepairPal)
- Worst Models To Buy: 2023 GV80, 2023 GV70
One of the craziest things to see when looking through the Consumer Reports breakdown of any of the Genesis models is that the customer satisfaction ratings are 5 out of 5. Now, that is kind of a contradiction when you see the reliability ratings given to the Genesis GV80 and the Genesis GV70. Still, time will tell once a few hundred thousand miles are under the belt of more than a couple of vehicles reported.
12 Hyundai
Predicted Reliability Rating: 46/100
As an overall score for the year, Hyundai went down four whole points throughout its range of models, with only a few even hitting above the halfway line of 50 out of 100. In fact, so many of them have dipped below the mid-way point that it is safe to say that Hyundai may be a brand name to avoid for the year, maybe for a couple of years, if you want to make sure that the company gets all the bugs worked out before you take the chance on them.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $468 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs For The First 10 Years: $8,717 (CarEdge)
- Worst Models To Buy: 2019 to 2021 Kona Electric, 2023 Santa Cruz, 2022 Elantra
There are so many models that ranked poorly on the survey that it is easier to list the two that ranked OK: the Hyundai Sante Fe Hybrid and the Hyundai Sonata. The Sante Fe Hybrid ranked the best with a 79, and the Sonata came in second for the brand with a 64, which are still not great numbers, but it is the best Hyundai could pull off for the year.
11 Volvo
Predicted Reliability Rating: 45/100
It may surprise you to find Volvo on this list because the company has always been known for producing safe vehicles. But safe does not translate into reliable, as can be seen by the 45 out of 100 that Consumer Reports has given them for 2023 because of four different models that did not do so well in testing through them or in feedback from real-life owners.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $769 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs For The First 10 Years: $13,513 (CarEdge)
- Worst Models To Buy: 2021 XC90, 2022 XC60, 2023 XC40
The climate system and the controls associated with it seem to be a common trouble spot for the brand, as is the electrical system. The in-car electronics also had some issues between the models, but not as much as the electrical parts that run the main components of the motors and engine. The only other problem commonly reported so far is the brakes, which have been covered by a recall due to software not activating the braking assist mechanism.
10 Nissan
Predicted Reliability Rating: 44/100
Nissan's reliability rating has taken a nosedive this year, with the Japanese automaker falling seven spots to No.15 on Consumer Reports' list of the most reliable automakers. Therefore, Nissan may be a bargain option in many of the segments in which it competes, but buyers could be dishing out more dough for fixes.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $500 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs For The First 10 Years: $8,088 (CarEdge)
- Worst Models To Buy: 2013 to 2022 Pathfinder, 2020 to 2023 Sentra
The worst offender of Nissan's current lineup is the subcompact Sentra sedan, which has predicted reliability of just 1/5 stars from Consumer Reports. The Sentra has earned a score of just nine out of 100 possible points for overall reliability over the last three years. For reference, the top-scoring model in the Sentra's class, the Mini Cooper, scored 89/100 points.
9 Ram
Predicted Reliability Rating: 42/100
Ram trucks have taken significant leaps forward in quality, ride comfort, features, capabilities, and overall performance over the last decade, but according to CR, buyers are likely to face some reliability problems in their pickups. With the rankings based on model years stretching back to 2000, the 2013 Ram 1500 is a particularly rough spot for the brand. CR gave the model a reliability verdict of just one 1/5.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $858 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs For The First 10 Years: $17,677 (CarEdge)
- Worst Models To Buy: 2013 Ram 1500, 2018 Ram 2500
Most recent models scored 3/5, with the 2022 Ram 1500 earning just 2/5. For 2023, the Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 are all given a predicted reliability rating of 3/5. While nothing to write home about, Ram actually scores better than the reliability of some other pickups.
8 Cadillac
Predicted Reliability Rating: 42/100
The obvious choice for those seeking a GM-made luxury car is Cadillac, but according to CR's survey, those prospective buyers are better off, at least where reliability is concerned, in a Buick. That said, both GM luxury brands fell in the rankings for 2023, with Cadillac dropping to No. 17 among the automakers included in the survey.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $783 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs For The First 10 Years: $13,406 (CarEdge)
- Worst Models To Buy: 2023 CT5, 2021 XT5
With low ratings for reliability in CR's study, the 2023 Cadillac lineup is, unsurprisingly, not expected to deliver stellar dependability. The CT4, CT5, Escalade, XT4, and XT6 have a predicted reliability score of just 2/5. The only exception in Cadillac's lineup is the XT5, which receives a 3/5 for expected dependability.
7 Ford
Predicted Reliability Rating: 41/100
The Blue Oval is forging ahead down a few different paths. Its electrification push is strong, with notable sales for the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning. Meanwhile, the brand has announced it will keep internal combustion in the Mustang as it remains the only car in the automaker's otherwise SUV and truck lineup. But in terms of reliability, things aren't shaping up well.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $775 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs For The First 10 Years: $9,860 (CarEdge)
- Worst Models To Buy: 2021 to 2023 F-150 Hybrid, 2021 and 2022 Ford Explorer
Ford dropped four points to the No.18 spot, and as such, the expected reliability for some of its current models is in the basement. The Ford F-150 Hybrid is the lowest-ranked model of them all for 2023 in predicted reliability, with a score of just 4/100. Another Ford, the 2023 Explorer, had the fifth-lowest predicted reliability ranking for 2023 models with a score of 16/100.
6 Tesla
Predicted Reliability Rating: 40/100
Tesla's models have remained the en-vogue choice for those looking to go all-electric despite the brand being synonymous with some build quality issues. Those have translated to less-than-ideal dependability as Tesla is the sixth-lowest-ranking automaker in CR's reliability study for 2023.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $1,047 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs For The First 10 Years: $5,867 (CarEdge)
- Worst Models To Buy: 2020 Model S, 2021 Model Y, and 2023 Model 3
As such, the 2023 Model 3, Model Y, and Model X have middling predicted reliability scores, with the flagship Model S earning a score of 2/5. According to CR's scores for each model year of the Model S, 2020 was a particularly unreliable year for the luxury EV sedan, but it hasn't scored well in any year in its production.
5 Chevrolet
Predicted Reliability Rating: 40/100
Chevrolet earned a respectable ranking of No.10 among automakers in the 2022 Consumer Reports reliability study, but the latest report shows a freefall for its rating. Chevrolet dropped 10 spots to No. 20, making the automaker fall the most spots from 2022 to 2023.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $649 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs For The First 10 Years: $9,625 (CarEdge)
- Worst Models To Buy: 2022 Bolt EUV, 2020 Bolt, 2021 Silverado 1500
The Silverado and Bolt have each dragged down Chevy's overall score with poor reliability ratings for past models, and as such, both the Silverado and Bolt land on CR's list of 10 least reliable models. Of course, the Bolt's dependability has been scorched by recalls for the prior year model's potential fire risk.
4 GMC
Predicted Reliability Rating: 36/100
The list gets worse for General Motors as another one of its brands nears the bottom of the rankings for dependability. GMC has an average reliability ranking across its lineup — which includes popular models like the Acadia, Sierra 1500, Canyon pickup, Terrain, and Yukon SUVs — of just 36 out of 100 points.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $744 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs For The First 10 Years: $8,429 (CarEdge)
- Worst Models To Buy: 2021 Sierra 1500, 2021 Yukon
The Sierra 1500 has the worst overall predicted reliability rating for GMC's 2023 lineup, scoring just 19 out of 100 points. The pickup segment is among the least reliable, but the Sierra 1500 only beats the F-150 Hybrid for predicted reliability. Despite Ram's inclusion as one of 2023's least reliable automakers, the Ram 1500 and 2500 rank higher than all other trucks for expected dependability.
3 Volkswagen
Predicted Reliability Rating: 31/100
Volkswagen doesn't have any models on CR's list of least reliable models, but that could be viewed as even worse, considering it means the entire lineup isn't expected to be very reliable. VW's overall predicted reliability for all models was 31/100. According to CR, VW's reliability "continues to be mostly below par."
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $676 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs For The First 10 Years: $8,166 (CarEdge)
- Worst Models To Buy: 2022 and 2023 Taos, 2022 Tiguan, 2023 ID4
No current VW model scores higher than 3/5 for predicted reliability, and the worst offender of the bunch is the Taos compact SUV. It earns a predicted reliability rating of just 1/5. That contributes to the Taos being ranked No. 12 out of 12 models in CR's overall scores (which go beyond reliability) for subcompact SUVs.
2 Jeep
Predicted Reliability Rating: 30/100
"It's a Jeep thing" could potentially be a response to having to spend more time in the dealership's repair shop. Jeep is ranked No. 23 out of 24 automakers for reliability for 2023. Unlike some manufacturers on this list, it's not because of a significant drop. Jeep was ranked No. 22 in CR's 2022 list. CR puts it simply: "Most Jeep models do not have strong reliability."
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $634 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs For The First 10 Years: $11,476 (CarEdge)
- Worst Models To Buy: 2020 Gladiator, 2018 to 2020 Wrangler
As such, only one 2023 Jeep, the Cherokee, scores better than a 2/5 rating for predicted reliability. The Compass, Gladiator, Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer, and Renegade were rated at 2/5. Both the Wrangler and Gladiator were some of the lowest-scoring models of 2023.
1 Mercedes-Benz
Predicted Reliability Rating: 24/100
"Dependability" and "German" often go hand-in-hand, but CR's reliability survey of 2023 shows that's not always the case. The lowest-ranked automaker of all included in the survey is Mercedes-Benz. Despite offering luxurious interiors, engaging driving dynamics blended with comfort, and the prestige of the Tri-Star badge, all of Mercedes' 2023 sedans and SUVs have subpar expected dependability.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $908 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs For The First 10 Years: $15,986 (CarEdge)
- Worst Models To Buy: 2021 E-class, 2020 GLE
The GLE, one of the brand's most popular offerings, scored lowest of all Mercedes models and is the No. 9 lowest-rated model across all segments and automakers for 2023. In its segment, only the Lincoln Aviator scored lower than the GLE's rating of 23/100.
Mercedes dropped five spots from its ranking in 2022, and its No. 24 ranking is particularly troublesome for the brand as some of its closest rivals scored well. Lexus has ranked No. 2 for reliability ahead of BMW in third, Audi in sixth, and Genesis in 12th.